Patient Association request for participants on Biological Biosimilar survey and focus group in Birmingham

[Clare-NRAS]

As many of you will be aware NRAS has been working with NHS England Biosimilars programme board and continues to be the patient voice of those living with RA and JIA in advocating for appropriate and proper introduction of best value biologics in the treatment of both RA and JIA. Biosimilars are also being utilised in the treatment of many other conditions such as Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease etc. and so the Patient Association is gathering information from all these patient populations on this topical issue. NRAS would encourage you to consider taking part in this online survey and if you’re able to get to Birmingham, the focus group being held next month.

MESSAGE FROM PATIENT ASSOCIATION.

The NHS is currently looking to the future to see how it can best deliver services that are safe and of high quality. Any change to services must incorporate new advances in medicine; take account of budgetary restraints whilst still providing services that meet patients’ needs.

Part of this process will be to review costs of treatment and compare with alternatives that may provide the same effect at a lesser cost. However, it is important that any changes to treatment are discussed with patients and the benefits and disadvantages clearly considered.

Medications are one of the areas where changes may be made to provide the same level of treatment but at a reduced cost. For instance when you go to the chemist for over the counter medication you will have a variety of options with a variety of costs for the same treatment. NHS England has outlined some Good Practice Principles to ensure that any changes in patient medication will be communicated and managed correctly.

The Patients Association want reassurance that these good practice guidelines are being adhered to and that patients are well informed. Also, that they are fully involved in shared decision-making about the best treatment for a specific condition. This is essential for all patients affected by the recent NHS England decision to promote biosimilar in place of Biological medicines.

The Patients Association aims to obtain patient feedback on any experience, understanding and knowledge of biosimilar medicines and the changes planned in the NHS to ascertain whether the good practice principles are being adhered to and that patients are well supported.

By undertaking a survey and a focus group to discuss this topic we will gather patients’ views as well as hearing from other national patient groups who have consulted on this topic. A questionnaire survey will be distributed widely to patients across our networks and to specialist groups with support where needed from our national helpline - surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GXPWSG3

Additionally, we will hold one focus group to include interested patients and representatives of patient groups on Thursday 20th September 1:30-4:30pm at The Studio in Birmingham.

Based on the findings the patient association will encourage the development of any educational or support tools, which might be required to support patients, ensuring they are fully involved and informed in any decisions or choices regarding patient care.